Research for Wave Power to Provide Clean Energy
The destructive power of waves can be harnessed and used as a source of clean renewable energy.
The Wave Dragon
In Nissum Bredning, Denmark, a European team succesfully launcehd a wave energy prototype, the Wave Dragon, invented by Erik Friis Madsen.
The Principle
The Wave Dragon is based on a very simple principle: when the waves hit the wave reflectors, they climb the ramp and fall into the tank where the water is stored.
The water stored in the tank then flows through the turbines, generating electricity from the water pressure.
Development
The project is the result of cooperation between six different European partners: Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Austria and Germany.
The main elements of the turbines we have seen were developed and tested at the Munich Technical University .
Application
The Wave Dragon prototype operates using 7 turbines, which are now working very well and which can generate up to 20 kWe. At full scale, the Wave Dragon would generate 4 MWe in the North Sea.
Future
The team now needs to complete the test programme. The next step will then be the construction and testing of a full-scale prototype.
We are counting on putting several units next to each other in order to
generate 80 to 100 MW.
contact contributorThemes
- Industrial research » Building and construction
- Environment » Clean technology (and recycling)
- Industrial research » Standards, measures and testing
- Energy » Renewable energy sources
- Environment » Ecosystems (incl. land, inland waters, marine)
Technical information
- Director(s): Olivier Monssens
- Right owner:
- Producer(s): European Commission Directorate General Research
- Reference: ATH_DGR_1104_512
- Length: 00:04:31
- Production year: 2004
- Programme type: Video News Release
- Available versions: EN, INT
- Available supports: BETA DIG
